CAMPAIGNERS from the Save Warrington’s Libraries group say LiveWire’s recommendations are a ‘step in the right direction’.

The protestors cautiously welcomed the report and plans for a working group to have a ‘fresh look’ at the town’s libraries.

They also welcomed the appointment of a board member and senior strategic lead with experience working in libraries.

Dina Kingsnorth-Baird, from the group, said: “When the plans to decimate our libraries came out last year, we called on the council to bin the proposals and start again, and this week they appear to be doing just that. They are also taking very long overdue steps to improve LiveWire’s understanding of libraries. In itself, this is a victory for the people of the town who made their voices heard.

“But of course the devil is in the detail and nothing is saved yet. A working group, if done properly, is the right next step.”

She called on the council to include campaigners in the new working group: “What matters is how this working group works and what its terms of reference are. It needs to consult with public more and we also strongly believe the council should make places available on that group for members of the Save Warrington’s Libraries campaign – representation from passionate libraries users is critical and this mustn’t be a closed-doors, insider process.

“The chance to make a stand nationally and show how to really save a town’s library network is within the grasp of the council right now. We welcome tentative signs that they want to take that route and we encourage them to work with us and the wider public to make it a reality.”